As you may have noticed on the first Monday of November, is changing the way the first Monday promo codes work. In the past, they sent out the same code to everyone signed up for their SMS alerts, encouraging users to “share with friends”. That is all changing now.

In a recent email, Redbox has now said the codes they will be sending out to its SMS network will be “one-time use” codes, meaning no more sharing with friends. I am guessing Redbox is doing this to quell the users who abuse the system, using the code on as many as 10 credit cards to get as many free rentals as possible.

From the redbox email:

As a loyal redbox customer, we want to make sure you know about an upcoming change to our Monthly Movie Monday program. Beginning Monday, December 7, the Monthly Movie Monday promo code will be distributed exclusively via text message to customers signed up to the redbox SMS Network.

All codes will be unique and can only be redeemed once. If you get your code from a friend, online or in an email, the code may NOT work. The only way to guarantee your code is valid is to join the SMS Network at redbox.com.

There have been some reports by our visitors that Redbox will still create a code the can be used multiple times, but will make it harder to find. Of course, we here are Inside Redbox are on the case for you, so if this rumor is true, we will be sure to post the code here for all.

In addition, there have been quite a few other codes that have been working for all lately. Visit the Redbox Codes page often (and signup for our “Insider Updates” newsletter) to stay up-to-date on the latest codes.

Please let us (and Redbox) know what you think. Will this new way of doing things backfire and hurt Redbox, or will it just hurt the users who are abusing the service and help Redbox stay in the black? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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I got my free code text today, then after work I went to use it and I have no idea how but the message was gone from my phone. I called Rebox and waited 10 minutes to be told they can’t do squat since corporate sent it. Blah, that sucks! Also many of my friends are on closed-network cell phone companies who block large company texts, so they never get the free codes. I can accept the one time use thing, but why not allow e-mail too?

got promo code yesterday and tried it at local redbox and like magic it didn’t work. This new system they have sucks so much, people aren’t getting codes and others can’t use them, they seriously need to re think this whole mess they have.

I wish they would do email codes too. But, I finally decided to sign up for the text and they need my carrier…..I have Net10…..and I have no idea how to find out who my carrier is….anybody have any ideas on how to find out??? I am NOT a phone techie

Tracfone customer service is somewhat confused about text messaging (SMS). They DO HAVE IT….because they are using the at&t/cingular network. Just select at&t as the carrier, and it works fine. your text address is your phonenumber@txt.att.net Also, a plug for their service (I am a customer) no contracts—no monthy fees. Just about a dime a minute…..a very good deal for low volume users….also, lose/break your phone…get a new one at 7-11 or walmart for a very small fee (again no frigging contracts!).

I don’t like this whole texting thing. I don’t have a texting plan on my phone and it’s gonna charge me twenty cents everytime a text is sent. What if they send other stuff that has nothing to do with a code? I would be better off just buying the movie for $1.

Question: The text-only code got those of us without text a little irked! Also, seemed the text-only code didn’t work for a lot of those who received it, or received it so late in the day it was useless. (But, for those who received it so late in the day and didn’t use it, might be worth it to give it a try today–new release day–and report back here if it still worked today) Anyway, I have been signed up for Redbox emails for about a year, got an email from them two weeks ago to get a free code by re-subscribing for their emails. I NEVER DID RESUBSCRIBE to their emails BECAUSE the only emails I was getting from them was on TUESDAYS, around 8pm eastern, with the list of the new releases for that day–received so late on the new-release day when everyone had already gobbled up the new releases. I complained to Redbox about this several times as to why they don’t send the new-release email at least the day before! Anyway, my thought is if they can send this weekly email, why not send this new release email on Monday WITH a one-time code the first Monday of the month for those of us who don’t have text!!!

Have been signed up to recieve messages before, but went to the Redbox
site last week when I posted about this in the User Forums.
:-)
Resigned up again for SMS, selected carrier as T-mobile ( i’m on t-mobile)
and got my code yesterday (12/07). Night at the Museum 2 showed up at the
Redbox 10 feet from my house yesterday, and I got it. WOOT!

And for the record, if this is the way their doing it, I’m fine with it.
One code a month for being a great customer, I can live with it.
Now patiently waiting for 4 Xmases and Public Enemies to show up….
:-)

I signed up with redbox as soon as it came into being here in Tampa. Now, since I don’t use my cell phone much, instead use and check my email regularly. I’m to be left out? why? Isn’t my money and rental business as important as the others?

You know its nice to get the free codes but Redbox is in business to make money. Those that think it is your right to get a free movie just because you’ve gotten them in the past should be thankful that you got them free. Where talking a whole dollar here people. Do you all even remember life before Redbox???

i agree, this is stupid…it advertises only to people with cell phones …who not just send these codes out on either email OR cell phone…more business..plus…it doesn’t even show all carriers…what about metro pcs? what if someone can’t afford a phone, since, hello, renting a movie for a dollar here….send the damn codes via email, too

I received my promo code over my cell, mistakenly erased it, called Redbox – to bad we can’t give you another code or confirm the code I had. They charged my tracphone 30 minutes to text the code. I quit! Tried code numbers: 7elm3h, 774r4wx, dvdthx4, and tg466xh at Walgreen’s – NO GOOD!

Well Redbox has just gotten me to going back to Blockbuster. I don’t even own a cell phone and have been screwed by this. If they want to lose business that’s great hope they know that people really hate getting dicked with.

Yeah, Lynda’s comment isn’t logical, BUT WHAT WOULD BE LOGICAL is since Redbox is sending a WEEKLY new-release email anyway to those signed up for email, Redbox could just include a 1x use code with that email on the first Monday of the month! Keep all the email and cell phone customers happy!

@ Michael: What your missing is the “strum and drang” people
have in our county because they can’t get things “their way”.
“their candidate, their health care, their redbox” etc.

Let’s face it: Majority Wins! Tattoo it on the inside of your eyelids!

The majority of people have cell phones, Redbox’s internal numbers
show that the amount of people who sign up with email
over sign up via cell phone is 5 to 1.

I personally can count how many times people have bypassed
the email screen at the end of their redbox transaction,
and how many have whipped out their cell phones to
look at the latest promo code. The phoneers outnumber
the emailers!

People can’t have it their way so they go to Blockbuster (kiosks)
where they can hopefully still trade codes for free movies,
since it isn’t “their redbox” anymore.

that is until BB cuts off codes after their new acquistion, which I’m sure
will happen as they tighten their belts come Fiscal Quarter 2010.

This is why corporations in America charge us an arm and a leg – because take advantage and abuse stuff. Instead of everyone being happy that they can rent a movie for $1 dollar a day, AND get 1 free rental every Monday, they have to go and abuse the privilege.

I have never received my codes via text and had signed up when you folks informed us of the change. I usually remember after it is too late (like last might about 10pm), but then there isn’t too much to do since this freebie is once a month monday only. Still its hard to beat $1 for hit movies etc. Just giving feedback.